The East Jackson Eagles came close to winning their first region game last Friday.

Close, but no cigar, that is.

They’ll get another chance this Friday when they host the Fannin County Rebels in their home opener. Kickoff is at 7:30.

The Rebels are coming off of a season opening 38-14 victory over Gilmer County. Last year, the Rebels went undefeated in the region and posted a 10-2 overall record.

So Close

With a minute and a half remaining last Friday, the Eagles were leading West Hall 27-21.

But with 1:29 left on the clock, the Spartans tied the game on a 31-yard touchdown pass, and with the PAT, the Eagles suddenly were behind with little time to regroup.

East Jackson would get no closer by the final buzzer, as West Hall gave the Eagles a 28-27 loss to start the 2008 season.

The Eagles took control early on, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter, while West Hall scored but one. Robbie King found his way into the endzone with just under seven minutes remaining in the quarter for the first score, then scored again three minutes later on a one-yard run.

East Jackson added a third touchdown in the second quarter, when Cody Hall broke into the end zone on a five-yard run.

But West Hall roared back from the early deficit to score twice, tying the game at 21 going into the half.

Neither team managed to score in the third quarter, but with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, a six-yard run by King gave East Jackson the lead — until West Hall’s late rally.

By The Numbers

Offensively, East Jackson gained 433 yards, with 14 first downs, but recorded 12 penalties for 92 yards.

Zach Gilbert led the ground attack with 184 yards on 20 carries. He also had four receptions for 27 yards. King carried the ball 17 for 59 yards, scoring three touchdowns. Hall had five carries for 11 yards and one touchdown, as well as one catch for 26 yards.

Standrick Stevens had two carries for seven yards, as well as two kick-off returns for a 22-yard total; Ricardo Zaraguza had two carries for nine yards; Kahari Beasly had four receptions for 73 yards; and Dylan Kemp had one reception for eight yards.

In all, the offense rushed for 287 yards.

Quarterback Evan Williamson connected on 10 of 20 passes for 134 yards and had seven carries for 17 yards.

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